EVA 2.5 Firmware Update Brings SMOOTH Mode to AU-EVA1 Cinema Camera

Panasonic today released the EVA 2.5 firmware update for the AU-EVA1 cinema camera, adding a new noise reduction mode, more lens support expansion and menu improvements. SMOOTH mode noise reduction is designed for capturing low noise images without need for additional post processing.

The EVA1 received the major EVA 2.0 firmware update at the end of March 2018, adding All-I re-cording codecs, RAW output, time lapse recording, expanded lens support and more. Released in late 2017, the EF-mount EVA1 is a 5.7K cinema camera containing a Super-35mm sensor that fea-tures 14-stops of dynamic range, Dual Native ISO ratings of 800 and 2500, and the same colorim-etry as the renowned VariCam camera system.

“The EVA1 is being used for all sorts of productions,” explained Mitch Gross, Cinema Product Manager, Panasonic System Solutions Company. “While some productions prefer to shoot in V-Log, do careful color grading in post and apply noise reduction to sensitive shots as necessary in the finished edit, other jobs simply do not have that post schedule available. They pick a Scene File, expose accordingly and wish to apply noise reduction in camera to avoid the time-consuming steps later.

“While the EVA1 already features two levels of noise reduction in its menu – along with an OFF position for no NR – the new SMOOTH mode is a more aggressive setting designed for use with higher ISO settings. Clients indicated that they would like it available at all times so it’s available in all resolutions and ISOs. One of the advantages of a 5.7K sensor is that even at ISOs such as 2500 or even 5000, with SMOOTH mode the EVA1 shows less noise and yet retains higher re-solving power than competing 4K cameras.”

EVA 2.5 firmware also expands EF lens support. Added to the compatible lens list are the Canon 24-105mm F4L IS II USM, the Canon EF-S 17-55mm F2.8 IS USM, the Tamron SP 35mm F1.8 DI VC USD, and the Tamron SP 90mm F2.8 DI MACRO 1:1 VC USD. Panasonic continues to ex-pand support of the two Canon CN Compact Cine Servo zooms (18-80 & 70-200), now adding One Push AutoFocus support. A programmable button on the lenses now mirrors one of the

EVA1’s User Buttons, allowing from the lens’ servo handgrip on-demand One Push AutoFocus or any of 27 other additional functions available in the camera’s menu.

On request from customers, Panasonic has adjusted two menu functions. EXPAND mode is a fo-cus assist tool that magnifies a portion of the image. The duration the mode is engaged has always been adjustable, but by users’ requests the default setting automatically returns to normal viewing after ten seconds. Scene Files could always be named, but now the names are visible in the Color Setting menu page as well as the HOME screen Color Settings shortcut, making the selection of the appropriate Scene File easier.

About the AU-EVA1
The AU-EVA1 5.7K handheld cinema camera is distinguished by a pixel count of 5720 H x 3016 V (17.25 million), Dual Native ISO ratings of 800 and 2,500, and 14-stops of dynamic range. The newly-designed EVA1 sensor is Super-35 sized (24.60mm x 12.97mm) with 5.7K resolution. With an active resolution of 5720 x 3016, the EVA1 delivers more than 17.25 million photosites, nearly double the 8.8 million for 4K DCI (4096 x 2160). Weighing only 2.65-lbs (1.2Kg, body-only) with a compact form factor (6.69” H x 5.31” W x 5.23” D) and a removable handgrip, the EVA1 can be used for efficient handheld shooting applications. Because of its compact form factor, it can also be mounted on a drone, gimbal rig or jib arm for complex yet smooth camera moves.

About Panasonic Corporation of North America
Newark, NJ-based Panasonic Corporation of North America is a leading technology partner to businesses, government agencies and consumers across the region. The company is the princi-pal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation, and leverages its strengths in immersive entertainment, sustainable energy, automated supply chains and connect-ed mobility to provide integrated solutions for B2B customers. Panasonic was featured in Fortune Magazine’s 2016 ranking of 50 companies that are changing the world and doing well by doing good. Specifically cited were its smart and sustainable technologies, including its contributions to smart cities and the electric vehicle revolution. Learn more about Panasonic’s ideas and innova-tions at Panasonic.com.